testdisk.exe

TestDisk Data Recovery Utility

Application ProcessSafeData Recovery

CPU Usage

0.5-5%

Memory

10-60 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\TestDisk

Publisher

CGSecurity

Quick Answer

testdisk.exe is safe. It's CGSecurity's TestDisk, a command-line data recovery tool that analyzes disks and partitions to recover lost partitions and repair boot sectors.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Should be located in C:\Program Files\TestDisk\ or C:\TestDisk\ and signed by CGSecurity

Warning

Most components are legitimate

TestDisk runs as a console app; multiple processes are not typical; verify digital signature

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

If you don't need it, close the console window or end the process; there is no automatic background service to disable

What is testdisk.exe?

testdisk.exe is the Windows executable for TestDisk, a free, open-source data recovery tool by CGSecurity. It runs as a console-based application to detect lost partitions, repair boot sectors, rebuild partition tables, and assist in recovering non-booting drives across multiple file systems. It supports FAT, NTFS, ext2/3/4, and more.

TestDisk analyzes disk structures to identify deleted or damaged partitions, then offers actions to repair MBR/GPT, restore boot sectors, and rewrite partition tables. It uses a text-based menu navigated by keyboard input, suitable for recovery tasks.

Quick Fact: TestDisk originated as a Linux-based tool and was ported to Windows; it focuses on partition recovery and boot sector repair across many file systems.

Types of TestDisk Processes

Main Recovery Process: testdisk.exe runs in the console to analyze disks and perform recovery actions
Partition Analysis: Performs quick and deeper scans to locate lost partitions
Boot Sector Repair: Offers options to repair or rebuild boot sectors for damaged drives
Partition Table Rebuild: asti/restore MBR or GPT partition tables
File Recovery Companion: While TestDisk focuses on partitions, its companion PhotoRec handles file recovery

Is testdisk.exe Safe?

Yes, testdisk.exe is safe when obtained from the official CGSecurity site and located in the expected directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\TestDisk).

Is testdisk.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate testdisk.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if testdisk.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\TestDisk\testdisk_win.exe or C:\TestDisk\testdisk_win.exe. Any testdisk.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "CGSecurity" or related CGSecurity signer.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is low; testdisk.exe runs in a console and uses minimal resources when idle.
Behavior: TestDisk does not install background services. If it starts without user action, run a malware scan.

Red Flags: If testdisk.exe is located in Temp, AppData, or System32, runs when you aren't performing recovery, lacks a valid signature, or shows unusual network activity, scan with reputable antivirus immediately.

Why Is testdisk.exe Running on My PC?

TestDisk runs when you intentionally start a recovery session or when a script or backup utility invokes it to analyze a disk for partition issues. It is not a typical background service.

Reasons it's running:

Active Recovery Session: You started a partition recovery to locate missing or damaged partitions.
Boot Sector Repair Intended: You initiated repair of boot sectors or partition tables on a drive.
Disk Analysis on Demand: A user or script launched TestDisk to scan a disk for integrity and recoverability.
USB/Removable Drive Recovery: Running TestDisk from a removable drive to avoid altering the primary system drive.
Automated Recovery Script: A recovery automation script or backup suite invoked TestDisk to perform checks.

Can I Disable or Remove testdisk.exe?

Yes, you can disable or remove testdisk.exe. If you don’t need it, simply close the console or uninstall if installed via an installer.

How to Stop testdisk.exe

End Console Session: Press Ctrl+C inside the console or close the Command Prompt window
Terminate from Task Manager: Open Task Manager, find testdisk.exe, right-click End Task
Prevent Startup: If part of a script, disable the script or remove it from startup tasks
Delete Portable Folder: If you are using a portable bundle, delete the TestDisk folder from your drives

How to Uninstall TestDisk

✔ If installed via an installer: Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → TestDisk → Uninstall
✔ If using a portable bundle: simply delete the TestDisk folder from your drive

Common Problems: Recovery Issues and How to Fix Them

When using TestDisk, you may encounter partition detection or repair issues. The following guidance covers typical causes and practical fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

Partition not detected during analysis: Run 'Analyse' then 'Quick Search' and, if needed, 'Deeper Search' to locate missing partitions.
Cannot write to disk or partition table: Ensure you have administrative rights, run TestDisk from an elevated console, and create a backup before writing changes.
No partitions found on a drive with data: Try 'Deeper Search' and verify disk integrity; consider using PhotoRec for file recovery from unpartitioned space.
TestDisk cannot access the drive (permission error): Run as Administrator and ensure the drive is not write-protected or in a noisy USB hub; try a direct port.
Wrong changes applied to partition table: Back up before writing; use the 'Undo' feature if available, and verify with a fresh scan after writing.
Portable version lacks privileges: Run from an elevated command prompt or install TestDisk to a standard directory to gain appropriate permissions.

Quick Fixes:
1. Launch TestDisk with Administrative privileges
2. Use Analyses → Quick Search to locate partitions
3. If needed, run Deeper Search to find additional partitions
4. Backup before writing changes; review proposed actions carefully
5. For file recovery only, run PhotoRec from TestDisk suite

Frequently Asked Questions

Is testdisk.exe safe to run on Windows?

Yes. When downloaded from cgsecurity.org and located in a legitimate folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\TestDisk), testdisk.exe is a safe, open-source partition recovery tool.

Can TestDisk recover deleted files?

TestDisk focuses on partitions and boot sectors. For file recovery, use PhotoRec (included in the TestDisk bundle) which can recover files from your drives.

Does TestDisk work on Windows 10/11 64-bit?

Yes. TestDisk provides Windows binaries that run on 64-bit systems; ensure you download the correct testdisk_win.exe package for Windows.

Do I need admin rights to run TestDisk?

Often yes, especially when accessing raw disks or writing partition tables. Run TestDisk from an elevated command prompt or as Administrator.

Can TestDisk fix a corrupted MBR?

Yes. TestDisk can repair or rebuild MBR and GPT structures, but always back up first and follow on-screen prompts carefully to avoid data loss.

Where can I download TestDisk?

From the official CGSecurity website: https://www.cgsecurity.org/ and select TestDisk for Windows to get the testdisk_win.exe package.

Related Processes

photorec_win.exe

TestDisk companion for file recovery (PhotoRec) — retrieves files from damaged media

diskpart.exe

Microsoft DiskPart tool for disk and partition management